Antec BP500U Problems

[Thumb]

I have two Antec BP500U power supplies and one of them have been in my backup computer for about 3 years which was used about 1-2 hours weekly. The other PSU was taken out of a computer and replaced with a more powerful one for gaming. A couple days ago I went to turn on the computer and nothing, it was dead. I have an Antec Digital Power Tester and when I plugged it in to the PSU, the tester digital readout flashed and went off in less than a second. I'm guessing the power supply is dead. So I got out the used PSU and tested it and all voltages are perfect except for the 3.3v which was varying from 3.1v to 3.4v back and forth so the tester would beep every time in went to either voltage. Does this mean it is bad or is this normal for the 3.3v to vary like that?

Anyway, I put the old PSU in the computer but still nothing at all. I even tested the power button by shorting out the 2 pins at the MB so the on/off button is good. This leads me to believe that the MB has failed also.

One thing I did notice on the failed PSU was that the internal fan was clean like it had never been used before. Maybe the fan never did work, I have no idea.

The computer in question has a Gigabyte GA-965G-DS3 MB, 2 Sata HD's, 2 Plextor DVD's and 2 GB of memory. There is nothing else added to the computer and uses all the on-board audio and video cards of the MB.

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

[Support@ANTEC]

Hi Thumb,

The fluctuations of the +3.3V rail are within specifications. If the computer does not show any problems while operation there is nothing to worry about. For the other PSU that failed completely I would suggest you either consult the retailer where you bought your unit for a replacement, or pop us a message at europe.rma[at]antec[dot]com for further information on RMA procedures.

You should try the known working PSU with the mainboard you think is defective to rule out any problems with that one. Maybe it is still alright.

Best regards,

The ANTECsupport team

[Thumb]

Thanks for your response but both of the Antec PS are bad. I tried a new Antec PS and the computer is up and running. Maybe the motherboard is picky on the 3.3v so I'll keep the one and see if it will work in another computer when the time comes.

[Support@ANTEC]

Hi Thumb,

some motherboards can be picky about this indeed. If you still got warranty coverage just pop us an email and we will sort things out when the power supplies have a defect.

Best regards,

The ANTECsupport team

[Thumb]

Well, I bought both PS at the same time about 3 years ago with one that I bought just for a back up and never even opened the box until now and it was DOA but from what I'm told, it's still out of warranty. So much for a back up.

[Support@ANTEC]

Hi Thumb,

If you still have the receipt for those, check if it is still within the three year warranty or just out of it. Send me a message here so we might be able to sort things out for you.

The ANTECsupport team

[Thumb]

It is past the 3 year warranty and I also opened up the case to see if I could find anything wrong that was obvious.
How do I send messages here anyway?

[Support@ANTEC]

Hi Thumb,

sending messages is not possible here I guess. Just figured that one out myself. :/

Sorry to break the news, but if you opened up the case you are unfortunaely out of luck.

ANTECsupport